Ancient Species

Ginkgoes

Ginkgoes are plants with fan-shaped leaves. They are similar to conifers in the pattern of their branches but have reproductive systems which are similar to cycads.

Gingkoes first appeared during the Permian Period (286 to 248 million years ago). Gingkoes increased greatly in diversity from the middle of the Jurassic Period through the Cretaceous Period (213 million to 66.4 million years ago).

During the Paleocene Period (66.4 to 58 million years ago) this diversity diminished to a single species. The sole species surviving today is the gingko bilboa.

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